Step back in time and explore the rich heritage in and around Ironbridge over the decades.
This gallery, spanning from the early 1900s to the 1980s, offers a glimpse into our past through the Shropshire Star's archives.
Here we remember familiar faces and groups, iconic sights, and memorable events – including a 'rather large' Concorde pictured above the Iron Bridge on its way to the Shrewsbury Flower Show in 1987. Tom Hodgkins, from Stafford, shared his memories as a veteran of the show in a 2018 feature, recalling how he was talking to Margaret Thrower, daughter of television gardener Percy Thorwer, when they heard a loud roar as the supersonic plane soared overhead. “It was very low, and you could see the engines and everything,” he said – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can read the full feature here.
Enjoy this gallery, shuffled for your enjoyment, and share your memories in the comments below.
You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every Friday. Sign up here.
Ironbridge CofE School in 1953. The picture was shared by Mrs Joan Bowdler, who is a former teacher at the school, which was known as the 'Blue School'. She is on the right and started her teaching career here. She is originally from the Manchester area and came to Ironbridge on her marriage.
Wartime steel machine gun turret, at Ironbridge Power Station, alongside the railway line next to the Albert Edward Bridge. Pictured on February 7, 2000. Only one left in Shropshire. Pictured is John Firmstone, who was environment auxiliary plant attendant at the power station.
Ice floes in the River Severn at Ironbridge during the harsh winter of January 1982.
October 9, 1970: 'Another stretch of Shropshire railway line has been closed down and pulled up. But this section is only about 15 feet long and most motorists who use the B4378 from Buildwas to Much Wenlock will be glad to see the back of it. It is part of the old Severn Valley line just upstream from Ironbridge Power Station. The old level crossing gates that protect it haven't been opened for years and only glimpse a train occasionally when a thundering diesel brings a line of coal trucks to the power station. Most of the track has already been pulled up but motorists have been forced to slow down and bump over the now useless lines. On Monday county council workmen set to work digging the remnants up and resurfacing the road.'
Subsidence at Ironbridge CofE School, on January 13, 1970. The school was also called Ironbridge 'Blue' School. Looking at it is parent Mrs Jennifer Kilshaw.
The ferry over the River Severn at Jackfield. This picture is a postcard franked at Ironbridge on July 6, 1909. This was just a fortnight after the opening of the new Free Bridge over the Severn at this point - it opened on June 26, 1909. It was addressed to Capt. A. Fa (rest of name obscured by stamp), 4 Bentley Street, Stamford, Lincs. The message was: 'I.B., July 6, 09. Mrs Skitt says she no longer goes over by boat, but by the new bridge. My Dear Ada, after writing the other P.C. (views of I.B.) the P-man brought your loving P.C. 3.15. Mrs S has just told me about your P.C & has given me this to send you dear, she will write you soon. They haven't widened the river, but built a new bridge near the boat. Yours etc Tom' Ferries. Boats. Jackfield ferry. Ironbridge ferry. The black and white building is the Dog and Duck pub. This picture is from the collection of Bridgnorth postcard collector Ray Farlow.
A picture of Concorde flying over the the Iron Bridge on August 17, 1987, on its way to the Shrewsbury Flower Show. The photographer admitted to doctoring the picture to make Concorde appear bigger than it was on the original image!
Hodge Bower Albion FC, 1921-22. This is an old postcard. The caption on the front of the published card is back to front, it seems more likely that the added wording is a mirror image than the picture itself is a mirror image. The postcard was shared by Albert Langford, known as Bert Langford, and his wife Vicky Langford. Mrs Langford (nee Tooth), says middle row, second from right, is her uncle, Cecil Hurdley, pictured when he was 16-years-old.
The Jackfield Band crossing the Iron Bridge. The picture was shared by Paul France, who said: 'This pic is one of Ron Miles' and shows Jackfield Band marching over the Ironbridge in about 1972. We were involved in the filming of Dr. Jacob Bronowski's 13 part BBC series, The Ascent of Man. Filming was for episode 8, "The Drive for Power" which covered the Industrial Revolution. It was filmed on a Sunday between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm. Our contribution was about 14 seconds of the one hour episode! Because of problems with the Musician's Union we did not receive a fee but were awarded £50 "expenses".'
The picture was taken at Ironbridge Railway Station aka Ironbridge and Broseley railway station. Undated, but perhaps late 1950s or early 1960s - the station closed in the early 1960s. Picture shared by Paul France.
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.
